Local News
Twixmas Adventures Await as Raby Castle Reopens for the New Year
Raby Castle, Park and Gardens reopened on Monday 29 December, inviting visitors to continue their festive celebrations throughout the Twixmas period and into the New Year. Following a short closure from Christmas Eve, the much-loved North East destination is once again welcoming guests to experience...
Local messages
North East former mineworkers to receive first pension increase with £100 a week uplift
More than 4,000 former North East mineworkers and pit staff will receive their first pension increase
North East university students speak out on spiking fears as police strengthen response
A survey by Durham's Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen found that around seven in 10 Durham University students surveyed said spiking should be a clear priority for the police
Get Weekly Updates
Get the headlines in your inbox every week.
Three Bishop Auckland Locals Join Board Driving £33.2m Town Regeneration
Three local residents are set to help shape the future of their hometown after being appointed to the board leading a multi-million-pound regeneration initiative. Brian Sutton, Jack Short and Phil Harnby, all from Bishop Auckland, have joined the Bishop Auckland Stronger Town Board following a compe...
One person taken to hospital after suspected 'hit-and-run' in Durham
The driver of one of the vehicles is believed to have fled the scene of the incident, Durham Constabulary said
Mental health, heart surgery and breast cancer - the North East NHS scandals to break in 2025
Three areas have seen shocking scandals develop across 2025.
Budget Horror, Big Impact: Dean Midas’s Christmas Eve Goes Viral on YouTube
Award-winning film director Dean Midas’s latest horror short, Christmas Eve, has captivated audiences, amassing over 10,000 views in just six days—all on a shoestring production budget of just £50. The film, which is available to watch for free on YouTube, is the chilling new slasher featur...
The 26 best North East attractions to see in 2026 according to visitors
From castles and Roman forts to beaches, waterfalls and gardens, here are the top days out across the region that have been deemed a must-visit
Snow map shows UK cities facing Arctic blast including two in North East
Weather maps reveal major parts of the UK could see snowfall on Monday, January 5
County Durham Family’s Magical Lapland Trip After Newcastle Christmas Village Win
A County Durham family received an unforgettable early Christmas present – a magical day out in Lapland, thanks to a competition win at last year’s Newcastle Christmas Village. Samantha Pattison, from Sherburn Road, had taken her two young sons to Newcastle for a festive day out, never imagining...
Brave Five‑Year‑Old Bonnie Lights Up Durham City Christmas Tree
A young girl battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer helped bring festive cheer to Durham City. Bonnie‑Leigh Spence, together with her sister, joined in the lighting of the County Hall Christmas tree, spreading holiday sparkle for everyone in the city to enjoy. Durham County Council’s Vice...
Calling County Durham Crafters: RSPCA Needs Blankets for Struggling Pets
The RSPCA is inviting animal lovers across County Durham to pick up their knitting needles and crochet hooks to help pets in need this winter, as part of its Big Give Back to Animals appeal. The charity is appealing for handmade blankets that can offer comfort, warmth and security to animals – at...
Twinkling Lights, Traditional Treats and Timeless Traditions at Beamish This Christmas
There’s still time to experience the magic of Christmas at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North! From enchanting Christmas Daytimes to the traditional Twelfth Night Celebrations and the much-loved Beamish Pantomime, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this festive season. Wander through a...
Grassroots Football Club Brings Christmas Joy to Over 400 North East Children
More than 400 children and young people across the North East will receive a Christmas gift this year thanks to a generous donation from Washington Association Football Club. The grassroots club has donated 410 presents to The Children’s Foundation, helping to support children spending the festive...
Smile with Confidence: Ethical All-on-4 and All-on-6 Implant Treatments in Antalya & Istanbul
For UK patients considering dental implant treatment abroad, choosing a clinic that values ethics, transparency, and patient comfort is just as important as achieving a beautiful smile. At Agagsia Dental Clinic, located in Antalya and Istanbul, every stage of care is guided by honesty, professionali...
Walking Home for Christmas: WWTW’s Challenge Approaches Final Stretch in County Durham
An intrepid team from military charity, Walking With The Wounded (WWTW), is currently approaching Co Durham as it nears the culmination of a mammoth 18-day, 700km trek from The Cenotaph in London to Newcastle, bringing the symbolic pulk (Arctic sled) ‘home’ in time for Christmas. At 8am on Frida...
County Durham’s Into the Light Programme Reaches Tens of Thousands and Boosts Creative Economy
County Durham’s flagship cultural programme, Into the Light, has released its first-year results – revealing major economic and social impact across the region. In its opening year, the three-year programme has: These achievements firmly establish Into the Light as a cultural incubator, investin...
Light at the End of the Tunnel: Public Inquiry Announced into TEWV NHS Trust
As I write this, the announcement of a statutory public inquiry into the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust feels deeply personal. Thirteen years ago, my sister died at the age of 20. She was being cared for by TEWV and was known to its services following multiple suicide attempts. To s...
Woman, 75, targeted by young would-be robber at County Durham cash point
A young couple both experienced their first taste of custody after a failed bid to rob a frail elderly woman of money at a town centre cash machine.
Child sex offender died after falling off prison cell toilet days before Christmas
Douglas Clayton was pronounced dead after falling off his prison cell toilet in HMP Frankland three days before Christmas in 2024.